Joint sealing in public works

In the civil engineering sector, joint sealing has certain similarities with construction: concrete movements, identity of certain sealing and caulking products, but also differences:

• materials: only concrete and steel are used in public works;

• dimensions and weights ;

• the problem of soil stability in public works.

Where elements, products and techniques are common to both the building and civil engineering sectors, please refer to the article "Joint sealing in the building industry" [C 3 660] et seq.

This article deals with the movements of structures to be caulked, the calculation and sizing of joints, their characteristics and the different types of product available.

In addition, as caulking involves sealing joints, i.e. interstices, we have included at the end of this article injections into cracks, hollow or cavernous areas and prestressing cables, as well as sealing during bolting of land.

A second article deals with public works applications.